POLICE: No Charges In Fatality Involving Marine Corps Truck

Police say a Marine will not be charged in that fatal accident involving a military vehicle in April that killed a 20-year-old man.

Newport police say no traffic laws were broken then the Marine Corps truck pulling a trailer tried to make a U-turn on U.S. 70, and backed up when the driver found out he could not make the turn.

Christian Garcia's vehicle ran up under the rear of the truck during a heavy rain storm the night of April 7th.

After consulting with District Attorney Scott Thomas, police said no charges would be brought against Lance Corporal Joshua Lowery.

"While this was a tragic accident that claimed the life of Christian Garcia, no clear illegal traffic violation can be determined for either driver based upon the evidence," said Newport Police Chief Jeff Clark. "We have met with the Garcia family and explained our findings and investigation to them. We extended our thoughts and prayers to all parties involved in this tragic incident."

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Police say a 20-year-old Newport man was killed when a military vehicle was backing up on Highway 70 and his vehicle ran up on it.

Newport police say Christian Garcia was dead at the scene.

Police say the accident happened around 8:15 p.m. at U.S. 70 and East Chatham Street.

Police say the driver of the military vehicle pulling a trailer, Lance Corporal Joshua Lowery, had missed his turn onto Hibbs Road and was trying to make a U-turn onto the west bound lanes of U.S. 70.

But police say the vehicle was too long, and Lowery began to back up the vehicle and trailer. Police say it was raining heavily at the time of the accident.

The vehicle from the New River Air Station had just left Cherry Point, according to police.

The highway was closed for several hours because of the crash.

Police say they are working with the Marine Corps and the district attorney to determine if charges will be filed.

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Newport Police say at least one person was killed Monday night in an accident collision involving a military vehicle and a civilian vehicle.

It happened at the intersection of U.S. 70 and East Chatham Street.

Newport Police and Fire officials have been on scene for several hours working in very severe weather conditions.

Police say no details regarding the collision will be released until family notifications have been made and officials have a chance to process statements and evidence.

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